Dr Pepper Iron Cowboy V a marquee event

By Staff Reports | Feb 28, 2014 @ 03:30 PM

DR PEPPER IRON COWBOY V ONE OF THE PBR'S MARQUEE EVENTS (2-28-2014)

ARLINGTON, Texas ― Not to take anything away from the other Built Ford Tough Series events, but there are a few marquee events each season such as the season kickoff in New York at Madison Square Garden and the Dr Pepper Iron Cowboy V.

This year’s event – the fifth year at AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium) in Arlington, Texas – is especially historical with the Bay Boy Mowers Million Dollar Ride and the fact that it coincides with THE AMERICAN on Sunday.

PBR Chairman and CEO Jim Haworth, who attended the first Iron Cowboy as a spectator in 2010 said riders, contestants and fans alike are intrigued by a format that is “different, unique and something a little special.”

It features the Top 8 from last year’s final world standings and the Top 16 this year, not including those Top 8 riders who already earned a first-round bye in the only single-elimination March Madness bracket-style format of its kind.

“It’s rider versus rider,” Haworth said, “and when you get a chance to look at the bull power that comes to Arlington, it’s a fantastic event. It’s one of those that our fans really have to get out and see."

It features the likes of reigning World Champion J.B. Mauney, along with former title winners Silvano Alves (2012, 2011), Guilherme Marchi (2008) and Mike Lee (2004); while the bulls are headlined by Mick E Mouse, Asteroid and two-time World Champion Bull Bushwacker (2013, 2011), who will be retired at the conclusion of the 2014 season.

Then, of course, there’s the stadium and its much-talked about video screen, which extends the length of 60 yards.

Simply put, it’s a special place to watch any kind of event.

“Just the size of it is spectacular,” said Haworth, who also described the Iron Cowboy event as the toughest format to win. “It’s a spectacle.”

FORT WORTH, Texas ― Ty Murray likened the Dr Pepper Iron Cowboy V to a boxer having to fight Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson in one night, only then to face Muhammad Ali.

Calling it the best analogy he’s heard, Colby Yates agreed with the notion that it gets “stronger and harder each (round).”

In 2011, Yates got the call that he was being added to the draw as an alternate the Wednesday before the event and just 72 hours later an exhausted Yates stood atop the center stage having won the second of what is soon-to-be five Iron Cowboy events.

“After the whole deal, my (butt) was worn out,” said Yates, who advanced through six rounds of competition in the only bracket style, single-elimination format of its kind.

He later said, “Your mental strength has to grow with every bull you get on and it’s very difficult because you’re physical strength is going in a downhill slide and your mental strength is trying to slide too because you know you just exerted all your energy trying to ride (a bull like) Asteroid and then you still have to get on Bushwacker next. It’s like fighting against all the odds, but you have to somehow overcome it.”

While the eight riders who receive a first-round bye are oftentimes considered the favorites in one of the most grueling events in all of professional bull riding, Yates speaks from first-hand experience when opines late additions like rookie Gage Gay have just as much of a chance to win as reigning World Champion J.B. Mauney.

“Man, it’s anybody’s game,” he said.

In fact, like Yates three years ago, guys coming through the first round are able to gain some momentum and valuable confidence after winning their way into Round 2, where, this year they’ll go head-to-head with the likes of Mauney, Silvano Alves, Joao Ricardo Vieira, Guilherme Marchi, Cody Nance, Marco Eguchi, EduardoAparecido and L.J. Jenkins.

At the same time, not only are the Top 24 riders in the world competing, but the event features the 47 rankest bulls in the PBR, including two-time and reigning World Champion Bull Bushwacker.

This year’s winner will have a matchup with Bushwacker in what is being billed as the Bad Boy Mowers Million Dollar Ride.

“For me, it was such a big deal and I probably didn’t know what to expect, which was probably a good thing,” said Yates, who is a Fort Worth, Texas, native and felt the support of the entire crowd from the moment he was first introduced. “I was wanting it so bad and I was sitting there waiting for the call and I would think about it all the time. When I did, being here in my hometown, it kind of helped me out.

“They were pulling for me from the word go. That really motivated me and gave me a lot of confidence.”

As the event unfolded he felt the support of the bull riders and his friends behind the chutes coupled with the adrenaline that comes with competing in an event as important as the Iron Cowboy, the energy being inside AT&T Stadium (then known as Cowboys Stadium) and, of course, a desire to win.

Yates likened the locker room atmosphere to that of the World Finals.

“Everybody is motivated to win,” recalled Yates, who wasn’t able to sleep that night and didn’t fully process what he had accomplished until almost 24 hours later.

“Everybody is looking at their bracket and they’re mapping out their game plan and they’re figuring out a whole new strategy on it because it is a different format. It is just a different feel for everybody, I think.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. ― Brady Sims grew up 30 miles from Kansas City, Mo., and while he could have easily drove back and forth this past weekend, it was only the third time in his two-year pro career that he’s competed at a Built Ford Tough Series event, he went ahead and stayed downtown at the host hotel “just to be around everybody and everything.”

“I’m trying to just roll in and treat it like any other bull riding,” he added.

Sims grew up northeast of downtown Kansas City in the small community of Holt, so it was like a hometown event of sorts as Saturday night’s sold-out crowd of more than 13,000 at the Sprint Center got behind the youngster and cheered him on whenever his name was mentioned.

In fact, Sims admitted that his emotions did grab ahold of him right before he was ready to get on Flab Slab in the opening round.

“You still have to do your job,” said Sims, who rode Flab Slab for 85 points in Round 1 and then added another 83.5 points on Sunday afternoon when he rode Bull Arrow in Round 2. “It’s just another bull –that’s how you have to think of it.”

Despite his inexperience at the BFTS level, Sims knew coming in he needed to channel his added energy and emotion in order to use it to his advantage and not let it get the best of him. Oftentimes it’s easy for newcomers to find themselves frazzled or worn out before they ever climb into the bucking chute.

“You have to take your nerves and put it into your ride,” Sims said.

Sims explained that the home crowd advantage he felt made the experience all the more special. He finished eighth in the average.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. ― A trio of riders – Pistol Robinson, Douglas Duncan and MarcoEguchi – missed the final round because of various injuries.

According to Dr. Tandy Freeman, Robinson did not compete due to a sprained left wrist (riding hand, scapholunate) sustained when he hung onto Hell or High Water in the second round. He also sustained a left elbow sprain (UCL) and a left hip pointer.

Eguchi suffered a concussion in the second round, while Duncan aggravated a pre-existing left hand sprain.

Claudio Crisostomo doctored out of the Caterpillar Classic prior to Round 2 due to a possible left clavicle fracture.

On Saturday night, Silvano Alves separated his right shoulder (acromioclavicular joint, riding arm, type 3 or 5) when he was thrown hard on the shoulder by his first-round bull, Crystal Pistol. He was listed as doubtful for Sunday, but wound up finishing the event seventh in the average.

Alves confirmed this is the first injury he’s sustained in his career, even prior to coming to the U.S.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. ― The futurity draft for the third season of the ABBI’s successful Back Seat Buckers program is a week out.

Like its inaugural selection process, this year’s draft will take place Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m. at AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium) in the Miller Lite South Club room on the field level of the stadium.

According to a recent ABBI press release, a VIP reception will immediately follow and participants will view the Dr Pepper Iron Cowboy V from a “special seating” area reserved for them.

Most of the bulls have two trips on video for potential new owners to view and bloodline information is also available online.

“We are starting the third year of our groundbreaking ABBI and PBR bull ownership program and we are thrilled to be back in Arlington to kick off the season,” stated ABBI President Brad Boyd. “Cowboys Stadium is where our first class of bulls was drafted in 2012. We’re extremely proud of what some of those bulls have been able to go and accomplish, and I’m sure we will be seeing many of the 2014 Back Seat Buckers bulls have similar career paths.”

The former Back Seat Buckers will compete tonight in Kansas City.

Modac Mad, Shaft and Shadow Man are competing Saturday night in the ABBI Classic event at the Sprint Center. Former PBR bull rider and 2012 Ring of Honor inductee Mike White is raising, hauling and handling all three of the bulls for their respective BSB owners.

For more information regarding the Back Seat Buckers program, Ross Coleman can be contracted through his Facebook and Twitter (@rosscolemanPBR) accounts, as well as at the BSB booth on the concourse of all Built Ford Tough Series events.

FORT WORTH, Texas ― Six weeks ago, Jared Allen attended the Built Ford Tough Series event in Chicago and by the time he left Allstate Arena the free agent defensive end’s blood was coursing through his veins as if he were lined up across from an opposing NFL quarterback.

He liked what he saw and, more importantly, he loved how he felt and vowed to get more involved.

Prior to that weekend he and Matt Scharping owned six bucking bulls old enough to compete at the BFTS and one younger bull. In the six weeks since, they’ve added three more bulls including – Magic Train.

Right now they’re limited to hauling five bulls on a cattle trailer behind Scharping’s pickup, but they have a new trailer that’s being custom wrapped to advertise Jared Allen’s Homes 4 Wounded Warriors.

According to Scharping, he and Allen are expecting the trailer to be ready by April with the intention of using the new hauler beginning in Des Moines, Iowa. It has the potential of carrying 17 or 18 bulls.

Scharping is constantly keeping an eye on other PBR bulls, like Magic Train, and Allen and Scharping have been viewing countless videos looking for new bulls to add to their pen and eventually haul them down the highway.

“It’s about finding the right bulls,” Scharping said, “not just filling it.”

Ask a yes or no question and the 19-year-old from Stanley, N.C., is going to answer with yes or no and about as much emotion as if you were talking about a Touring Pro Division event. That said, he was “ecstatic” upon hearing the news for the first time a few days earlier.

“Getting into that and being just a rookie is a pretty big deal,” Gay said.

Gay missed a call from Jay Daugherty, senior vice president of PBR events, on Feb. 11 and returned it that afternoon. Gay said he had no idea what Daugherty had called about or what he was about to hear over the phone.

“I didn’t figure I’d get in that—ever,” said Gay, who tried to contain himself on the phone. He said he whooped and hollered after hanging up. Then he called his family – his father was excited as he was – and a few friends.

That night he shared the news in-person with his running buddies Michael Lane, Carlos Garcia, Chad Vanamburg and Josh Faircloth.

Asked what went through his mind, while Daugherty was talking, and it’s no surprise, he replied, “Nothing really.”

Daugherty confirmed Gay was “nonchalant” when told the news.

Gay added, “I was just excited. I’ve never been in anything that big with that much money up for grabs.”

In fact this weekend’s Built Ford Tough Series event in Kansas City, Mo., will only be his fourth BFTS event this year and the sixth of his young career.

Gay is listed among contestants and World Champions like J.B. Mauney, SilvanoAlves, Guilherme Marchi and Mike Lee, who he’s matched up against in Round 1 of the only single-elimination, bracket style format in professional bull riding.

However, there is a laundry list of top-named riders who failed to qualify for this year’s event.

Among them are Jory Markiss, Austin Meier, Ben Jones, Jordan Hupp and 2010 World Champion Kody Lostroh – all of whom qualified for last year’s World Finals, but have not been so fortunate this season.

Gay originally missed the event by one spot, but found himself in the Iron Cowboy after Nathan Schaper suffered a broken leg in Anaheim, Calif. Gay called his inclusion a privilege and said he wished Schaper’s injury wouldn’t have happened, but he’s glad to have a chance to earn an unfathomable payday.

“I’m happy for the opportunity, but I’m sad for my buddy that got hurt,” said Gay, who was among the riders to visit Schaper in the hospital.

The Iron Cowboy, which takes place Saturday, March 1, at AT&T Stadium (formerly known as Cowboys Stadium), in Arlington, Texas, pays out $100,000 to the winner, who will then earn a chance at the Bad Boy Mowers Million Dollar Ride on Bushwacker.

Gay has never previously attempted the two-time World Champion Bull.

“It would be completely life-changing,” Gay said. “I don’t even know how much the Iron Cowboy pays to win it, but I know if you win it you get a chance at Bushwacker for a $1 million. That would be life-changing for me—yeah.”

FORT WORTH, Texas ― Neither Ty Pozzobon nor Eduardo Aparecido was able to finish the Built Ford Tough Series event this past weekend in St. Louis, however, both of them have indicated they’ll be ready to compete again this coming weekend across the state in Kansas City.

Pozzobon missed Round 2 and 3 after injuring his right forearm when he was stepped on after being thrown from Rock River Red during the first round of the St. Louis Invitational. The 22-year-old indicated the bull stepped on the inside portion of his free arm near where it bends at the elbow.

Pozzobon had the same thing happen to the left side a few weeks earlier.

The Merritt, British Columbua, native flew to Dallas on Monday and was further examined by Dr. Tandy Freeman and, according to the fourth-year BFTS veteran, there are no broken bones.

In a text message, Pozzobon wrote, “I’m good to go.”

He added, “I’ll be there this weekend.”

Aparecido missed the Built Ford Tough Championship Round after sustaining what Freeman indicated was “a possible broken rib when (Aparecido) was stepped on as his spur hung in his rope, while dismounting his third-round bull.”

Freeman listed Aparecido as questionable for Kansas City.

Like Pozzobon, despite initial worries, Aparecido escaped with no broken or fractured bones.

Both Pozzobon and Aparecido are listed in the draw for the Dr Pepper Iron Cowboy V, which takes place at AT&T Stadium (formerly known as Cowboys Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, on March 1. Aparecido is also slated to compete in THE AMERICAN the next day.

ST. LOUIS ― In addition to baseball, St. Louis is also known as for hockey.

In fact, the Scottrade Center is home to the Blues, who have played in the National Hockey League since the original expansion from six to 12 teams. This year’s Built Ford Tough Series event is taking place during the NHL’s break for the Olympics.

The Blues, who have never won a Stanley Cup, have 10 players involved in the Winter Games.

Former NHL defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn, who won the Stanley Cup in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche, has been raising and investing in bucking bulls for the past few years.

The Canada native – he grew up and recently moved his family back to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – said it’ll be tough for his home country to win the gold.

After watching the Americans dominate their first game, he said, “The U.S. looks good.”

He later added, “Russia has some real high end talent and are backed by the home crowd. Sweden is always a gold medal contender. Should be fun watching.”

However, his attention on Saturday night will be focused on the BFTS St. Louis Invitational.

Lil’ Lanche will be out in Round 2 and is matched up with Chase Outlaw.

Leschyshyn described him as a “good long-round bull.” Lil’ Lanche has been out twice before at BFTS events with Douglas Duncan making the whistle on him earlier this year in Duluth, Ga., for 85.25 points. Eduardo Aparecido bucked off him last year and his only other PBR outing was a TPD event.

Leschyshyn is happy with the draw and even predicted Outlaw “should be 85 to 86.5 (points) on him.”

ST. LOUIS ― It’s not a surprise that six weeks into the 10-month long season, three days in Anaheim, Calif., proved to be a physically demanding event with some riders getting on five and even six bulls. A half dozen riders were unable to finish out the weekend due to injuries.

Claudio Crisostomo and Ben Jones were injured late in LiftMaster Chute Out and their status wasn’t made available until after they both returned home to Texas.

With the help of Megan Bradford translating, Crisostomo indicated in a text message that he displaced his collarbone, but was “OK.” The injury – though painful at the time, he immediately waved for help – pales in comparison to a 2009 injury in Brazil when he lost one of his kidneys.

He and Jones are in the draw for this week’s three-day event in St. Louis.

Jones took to his Facebook page earlier in the week to thank concerned fans for sending well-wishes. He wrote that he had a “sore head and a black eye,” but hoped his two qualified rides were “enough to go next week.”

Robson Palermo remains out of competition with a hamstring injury. He posted an update on his Facebook fan page. Palermo wrote, “After some exercises at the PT today and yesterday I decided to sit out one more week. I don't feel my hamstring is good yet. Will see how I feel next week and maybe I can go to Kansas City.”

Like Palermo, Kody Lostroh is out for a few more weeks.

The 2010 World Champion updated fans via Twitter.

In a reply to a fan question, he also responded that the injury would not require surgery.

FORT WORTH, Texas ― “It’s just a broken leg,” proclaimed Nathan Schaper, who then said he feels “pretty good.”

Schaper broke his left tibia and fibula Saturday night in Anaheim, Calif., when he was stepped on after he was thrown from Bushwacker in the 15/15 Bucking Battle. He underwent surgery at noon Sunday to stabilize the fracture, but not before watching the CBS broadcast of the 15/15 in his hospital room with Cody Custer, Billy Robinson, Lachlan Richardson and Todd Pierce, who also assisted him to the airport Monday afternoon.

Bushwacker steps on Nathan Schaper and breaks his left leg in the 15/15 Bucking Battle in Anaheim, Calif.

Doctors inserted a 40 centimeter long rod and four screws that run the length of his tibia from just below the knee to just above his ankle.

According to Schaper, doctors were happy with the fact that it was a “pretty clean break” with only “some jagged edges.”

He’s already up and walking with the aid of crutches and said that by the time he was released Monday afternoon he was cleared to put 60 percent of his body weight on the leg. Schaper said the current timetable calls for the staples from his surgery to be removed in two weeks, and he is hopeful to be walking without crutches in a matter of six weeks.

For the time being, Schaper said a heavy splint makes it awkward for him to get around on crutches.

Although he’s disappointed to be out of competition, Schaper is thankful that he ought to be off the crutches in time to help his family with calving in late March and the hay season in early July—which ought to be about the same time he’s cleared to compete.

Asked if he’ll be ready for the second half of the Built Ford Tough Series, Schaper quickly replied, “Oh, for sure.”

The 23-year-old from Grassy Butte, N.D., was enjoying a breakout season.

His injury comes just two weeks after his first career BFTS win in Oklahoma City. He’s currently ranked ninth in the world and riding just under 65 percent having covered 11 of 17 bulls.

One of the most well-liked riders in the locker room, Schaper is known for his positive outlook and happy-go-lucky demeanor.

“I’ve always come back riding better,” said an optimistic Schaper, who tore his biceps a couple seasons earlier. “You can use it to your advantage.”

Schaper is looking forward to getting back in the gym in March and is already anticipating a strong finish to the 2014 season. “It’s one thing making it the Finals,” he said. “I want to have a good Finals.”

In a phone conversation, after arriving back home, Schaper said he was comforted knowing that Dr. Tandy Freeman was at the hospital prior to the procedure and that it was especially good for morale seeing several fellow riders – Custer, Robinson, Richardson, Pistol Robinson, Harve Stewart and others – and Pierce hanging out in his room before and after the surgery.

Schaper concluded that in the future he plans to be one of those familiar faces in the room anytime one of his fellow riders are in need of being transported to a local medical facility because of injuries.

FORT WORTH, Texas ― Despite slipping one spot in the world standings, two-time World Champion Silvano Alves maintained his positive outlook despite what has been a disappointing, if not surprisingly subpar, start to the 2014 season.

Alves went 2-for-4 in Anaheim, Calif., and although he found himself in the Built Ford Tough Championship Round – largely due to the injuries of several other riders – the Brazilian native is currently ranked 22nd in the world standings.

“I am happy,” Alves said on Sunday following the sixth Built Ford Tough Series event of the season. “With me everything is good. I feel good.”

Alves has ridden eight of 20 bulls this season and although his riding average of 40 percent is better than seven of the riders ranked higher than him in the world standings, he’s 25 percent under his career average of 65 percent coming into this season.

Furthermore, his pedestrian-like average continues a three-year trend in which he’s gone from 69 percent in 2011 to 60 percent in 2012 followed by 55 percent last year, when he lost out on winning his third consecutive world title on the final day of the season.

Alves has yet to record a single Top 5-finish this year and has only one Top 10-finish, which came in Oklahoma City when he wound up eighth in the average.

On the bright side, he’s gone 0-for-the-weekend only once, in the season-opener in New York, and has managed to make the whistle at least one time in each of the next five events. Alves has also been in four of the six championship rounds, but, unfortunately, has made the whistle only once for a 25 percent conversation rate in the final round. As a collective group the top riders coming back to the final round in the 11th through 15th position have ridden five of 30 bulls in the first six BFTS events.

Alves attributed the draw for his low scores – he has four scores under 85 points and nothing over 87.25 points, which he’s earned twice – in the long round and added that being outside of the Top 10 for the bull draft doesn’t leave much of an opportunity to make the whistle. It’s worth noting that several riders and experts, including reigning World Champion J.B. Mauney and longtime livestock director CodyLambert, have indicated that judges have been conservatively low with scoring across the board.

Asked what he needs to do to turn his season around and put himself back into contention, Alves replied, “I think more practice and just good draw for bulls.”

This past week, he missed the 15/15 Bucking Battle for the first time since its inception.

Another unfamiliar change is that Alves is no longer among the last five riders introduced during the opening ceremony and not among the final 10 riders following the intermission in the opening round. He’s been part of both since early in the 2011 season.

FORT WORTH, Texas ― Longtime broadcaster Craig Hummer is now a first-time author. Hummer, who is in the midst of his ninth PBR season as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Built Ford Tough Series, has co-authored the forthcoming George Hincapie autobiography “Loyal Lieutenant: Leading Out Lance, Pushing Through the Pain on the Rocky Road to Paris.”

Hincapie was a teammate of Lance Armstrong – the only member to have ridden alongside Armstrong for all seven of his now-infamous Tour de France victories – and considered to be among his closest confidantes.

Hummer, who was part of the Tour de France broadcast team from 2004 to 2012, began working with Hincapie last fall and their final book, which is being published by Harper Collins imprint William Morrow and Company, is now available for pre-orders at www.amazon.com.

According to a publisher description, “Hincapie speaks openly about his relationship with Armstrong, how he himself began doping, and why he quit long before the headline-making revelations. His personal evolution is the journey of a man dedicated to coming clean about his past and to restore honor to the sport he loves.”

ANAHEIM, Calif. ― According to a Sunday afternoon email from Dr. Tandy Freeman, Nathan Schaper had surgery Sunday morning to insert a rod in his fractured left tibia. He is expected to be able to go home Monday or Tuesday and is likely to be out 3-6 months.

At this time, there is no official medical update from Freeman regarding ClaudioCrisostomo, who was stepped on by Hustle Up following his 86.75-point ride in the Built Ford Tough Championship Round on Sunday.

Sunday afternoon began with Keith Roquemore doctoring out due to back pain and stiffness, which was followed by a series of injuries to multiple riders throughout the final two rounds of competition.

Eduardo Aparecido did not compete in the championship round after aggravating a left groin strain. He is probable for St Louis.

Ben Jones also did not compete in the championship round after sustaining a concussion when he was thrown on his head in the third round. He is listed as probable for St. Louis.

Kasey Hayes sustained a concussion when he hit the ground face first after being thrown from BIG TEX “ROCKS” in the championship round. Hayes is also listed as probable for St. Louis.

Chase Outlaw is probable for St. Louis after opting not to compete in the final round of the LiftMaster Chute Out because of ongoing issues with an injured left elbow.

Reigning World Champion J.B. Mauney finished the event despite riding with a left hand and wrist sprain that he sustained during the second round.

On Saturday, in addition to Mauney and Schaper, Ryan Dirteater sustained a right forearm contusion in the second round when Bobby threw him into the chute gate. He did not compete in the 15/15 Bucking Battle or the third round, but is probable for St. Louis.

Fabiano Vieira is also listed as probable for next week despite not competing in the 15/15 or the third round due to a concussion sustained when he was thrown hard to the ground in the second round by Imagine That.

Marco Eguchi also missed the 15/15 Bucking Battle and third round due to a bruised right elbow (riding hand) and right shoulder sprain, which he sustained when he landed on the elbow as he was thrown from Tarantino in the second round. He is questionable for St. Louis.

The only injury reported Friday night was bullfighter Frank Newsom, who continued working the entire three-day event in spite of suffering multiple rib fractures when Billy Robinson hung up to his opening-round bull (Warbird) at the Honda Center.

ANAHEIM, Calif. ― The sign of a mature, experienced veteran is to act like you’ve been there.

As excited as Gage Gay was to finally earn the first qualified ride of his Built Ford Tough Series career, his first thought upon hearing the whistle was “get off safe and be able to do it again tomorrow.”

The 19-year-old – he doesn’t turn 20 until August – is currently ranked 24th in the world and despite competing twice last season, he is competing at his second BFTS event of what he hopes will be his first full season on the BFTS. He was 0-for-6 until Friday night when he finally tapped off on Wolf Deer for 85.75 points in Anaheim, Calif.

Gay said it’s a great feeling and “breaks the ice and gets rid of all the nerves now.”

The young gun from Staley, N.C., was the 2012 Southern Extreme Bull Riding champion before focusing on the Touring Pro Division last year. He garnered a great deal of attention last May when he won the Asheville, N.C., event by riding Delco for 91.5 points.

He later won another TPD event in Springfield, Mass.

His first qualified ride was good for eighth in Round 1 of the LiftMaster Chute Out with two long rounds and a short round still ahead this weekend. He’s in position to move into the Top 20 of the world standings before heading to the Midwest for a pair of events in St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo.

Friday night, Gay said, “I popped in some music when I got here and I didn’t take it out until it was time to come out here and, I think, it helped me keep my mind off everything.”

ANAHEIM, Calif. ― PBR co-founder Cody Custer, a former PRCA World Champion, is teaming up with Ross Coleman to teach a three-day bull riding school Feb. 21–23 in Vernon, Texas.

The spaces are already full with 22 participants and those interested in attending a future clinic can contact either Custer or Coleman through their Facebook pages. Custer has three clinics being scheduled and is working to organize others throughout the year.

In a Facebook posting, last month, Custer wrote, “A lot of people wanting to be bull riding trainers out there these days. Bull riding is simple, if your teacher is not teaching you to keep it simple, better find a new one. Do it quick, you don’t have a lot of time to undo a bunch of stuff.”

Custer and Coleman, who was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2012, are working together for the first time.

Their styles are different, but they share a common philosophy and both focus on the fundamentals with young upstarts ages 13 and up.

Both also relate well and exhibit the patience needed to work with kids.

“Here’s why I like to get to work with Ross,” said Custer, highlighting a difference between the two well-respected former pros. “Ross was one of the grittiest guys you’ve ever seen. I just think he brings that to the table more than me. I don’t know that I would be able to convey it the way he would be able to.”

Coleman is also much bigger than Custer.

“When you train for bull riding you need to try and emulate somebody that’s built like you,” added Custer. “I’m just excited. He’s a cool dude.”

Both are also known for their ability to communicate.

But what truly separates Custer’s experience with others is that he intends to make sure each student leaves a video of their attempts at the school.

Custer and Coleman have both become well-regarded for their instructional approach, especially with amateurs long before they’re old enough to turn professional.

FORT WORTH, Texas ― In a disappointing news update that swept through social media channels on Sunday morning, Freeman reported, “Robson Palermo is out for an undetermined length of time with a left hamstring strain sustained during his ride in the championship round in (Oklahoma City) and aggravated during the second round in Sacramento.”

Freeman also reported, “Billy Robinson did not compete in the championship round in Sacramento due to an injury (probable metacarpal fracture) of his right (free) hand sustained when he was stepped on after his (second) round ride. He is probable for Anaheim.”

Reese Cates, the 2008 Rookie of the Year, is not officially on the injury report, but has indicated he is week-to-week with an injury to his right riding shoulder.

A month into the grueling 10-month long season, Freeman released the names of 11 riders competing with a laundry list of various injuries.

Marco Eguchi is competing with a sprained left ankle sustained in Oklahoma City, Valdiron de Oliveira is competing with a bruised left elbow and forearm on his riding arm, Eduardo Aparecido is competing with a bruised left elbow and shoulder on his riding arm and Renato Nunes is competing with an unstable right shoulder on his free arm.

Chase Outlaw is competing with a torn ligament in the left elbow of his riding arm and a right shoulder sprain/strain, Douglas Duncan is competing with a sprained left riding hand, Jory Markiss is competing with a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and Ty Pozzobon is competing with a strained right hip adductor (groin muscle).

Ryan Dirteater is competing with a torn posterior cruciate ligament graft in his reconstructed left knee, L.J. Jenkins is competing with a left groin strain sustained in Oklahoma City and, prior to his hand injuries, Nance was already competing with a left hip pointer.